Investing In CLEO Skin + Laser

We are excited to announce our investment in CLEO!

CLEO is reimagining cosmetic dermatology with a laser-first approach that delivers clinical-grade results through non-invasive treatments. They are bringing a consumer-first approach to this growing segment by making laser treatment easy to understand, affordable, and accessible.

Despite $5B in annual spend (growing to $15B by 2023), traditional laser services are confusing, unapproachable, and inaccessible. Pricing is (often deliberately) opaque and ‘high pressure’ consultations steer consumers towards more costly (often unnecessary) procedures. This leads to to frustration and distrust among consumers and most importantly disappointing results. 

CLEO is taking a different approach with a laser focused (pun intended) model that’s simple, affordable, and clinically effective. CLEO clinics are compact (1,000-1,200 sq ft), tech-enabled, and staffed by in-house trained professionals to ensure consistency and care quality across every location. Treatments are performed exclusively using Candela’s industry-leading laser devices, and include facial rejuvenation, skin resurfacing, hair and tattoo removal, and RF microneedling - all designed to deliver real results with no downtime. 

The team behind CLEO is Brian Derosa (Co-CEO), who played a key role in scaling four-wall concept  Blank Street Coffee (80+ unit coffee chain) across multiple markets, and Amber McMillan (Co-CEO), who led service offering expansions at Lifetime and 24 Hour Fitness. Together, they bring over three decades of experience scaling retail operations and delivering best in class consumer wellness services.

CLEO is live across its first two locations in Minneapolis and has already served thousands of customers while earning amazing consumer reviews. Their next few clinics will open across the Midwest later this year before they move to the Southeast and Southwest in 2026.

We are very excited to partner alongside Brian, Amber and the rest of the team as they make high-quality laser skincare more accessible, affordable, and approachable for consumers across the US.

Black Jays Ventures is an early-stage VC fund investing in trusted products and services that address the modern needs of families.